Katie Roberts, 44, was diagnosed withpsoriasiswhen she was 10 years old andpsoriatic arthritisat 17.
Both diseases are inflammatory disorders that usually occur together, according to theU.S.
National Library of Medicine.Psoriasissymptoms include scaly,inflamed rashes, while psoriatic arthritis manifests in stiff, painful joints.
Klaus Vedfelt/Getty
When she was 20, Roberts lost mobility from the arthritis and started using a wheelchair.
Now, she advocates for psoriatic arthritis awareness and serves as a chair of the MarylandArthritis FoundationAdvocacy committee.
Here is her diary.
I woke up extremely fatigued today, and just about every joint affected by arthritis is swollen.
On a pain scale of 15, today is a 5+!
Thank goodness its the weekend, so I can take time for myself and recharge my batteries.
Before napping, I will find aguided imagery meditation playlist on Spotify.
I started trying guided imagery for pain management after my therapist suggested it.
(I had COVID-19 earlier in the pandemic but I still get tested for COVID-19 and take precautions.)
Im going in with a game plan.
7:00 p.m.
That baby shower took a lot out of me!
My hands are still pretty swollen, so Im going to skipmaking dinnerand pick up carry-out.
The days events and my pain have zapped all the energy I have!
Day 2 (Sunday)
After sleeping for 11 hours, I feel much better.
I have been stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) for five years.
(I even participate in races and am a SUP instructor!)
I had a great time paddleboarding for almost two hours.
5:00 p.m.
My physician recommended acupuncture after I had some health challenges, and Ive kept it up.
I hope thats the case this time.
Day 3 (Monday)
7:00 a.m.Today isCOVID-19 vaccination day!
The medication Im on makes me immunocompromised, so I am cautious about taking new medications and vaccines.
I just got back home from getting my first vaccination.
I opt for a yoga session during my lunch break.
Ihave been practicing yogaoff and on for about 14 years.
Since I feel pretty good, I select a 45-minute vinyasa flow via an on-demand yoga subscription I have.
There were a few poses that were a bit tough for me today, so I modified them.
Ive had a long day, but the weather is too beautiful not to enjoy it.
I invite my household to go for a two-mile walk around the neighborhood.
Everything is in bloom and its so pretty!
I walk a little slower than usual but am okay with that.
Day 4 (Tuesday)
5:00 a.m.
On a pain scale from 15, Im feeling about a 2.
My local gym offers virtual classes, so I signed up for an online45-minute pilates class.
11:00 a.m.
Today, I have my biannual check-in with my rheumatologist.
My physician tells me to keep doing what Im doingall things are looking positive!
It has been a very long, stressful day at work.
After sitting at a computer all day (at my makeshift desk a.k.a.
my dining room table/chair), I am ready for some self-care and decide to use my oil diffuser.
He understands my arthritis and related pain and even begins our sessions by asking, How are we feeling?
Then, he adopts the workout based on my response.
Every so often, my trainer checks in to ensure Im doing okay.
Hes been one of my biggest champions over the years.
Day 5 (Wednesday)
I begin most mornings by drinking two glasses of water and taking my vitamins.
I might take a yoga class in the morning, or stretch for 15 minutes.
If Im particularly sore, I lie in bed for 1015 minutes with a heating pad on my back.
I love using a smartwatch to help keep track of my total steps and distance walked every day.
I love Wednesdays because itssound meditation day!
Day 6 (Thursday)
6:00 a.m.
The medicine comes delivered in a cooler, which I have to store in my refrigerator.
Every Thursday morning, like clockwork, I give myself the injection.
Boy-oh-boy has it been a nutty day at work.
I take a 45-minute break to go for a short walk anddo some stretches.
I walk out of the massage feeling like a million bucks.
8:30 p.m.
After getting home from my massage, I do ayoga pose calledlegs up the wall.
This move helps reduce some of the pain in my legs and feet.
I start off the morning with my regular ritual of yoga, water, vitamins, and breakfast.
As an advocate, I meet with legislators to discuss how their decisions may affect various health care-related initiatives.
Today, I attend a virtual Capitol Hill briefing.
Its incredible to realize that my story has the power to influence change for the better.
I absolutely love being a patient advocate and using my voice for good.
I run into a few other friends on the water who just started their training for the season.
I am so grateful for all the wonderful, supportive people in my life.
